A truly golden event (From Worcester News)

A truly golden event

10:57am Wednesday 12th October 2011 in Equestrian By Sara Pawsey

FLYING the flag brought first prize in the mounted fancy dress competition for four-year-old Sophie Watkins and her pony called Magic at Worcester and District Riding Club’s open show.

Sophie, from Sneads Green, near Droitwich, had draped her pony in the Union flag and was kitted out as a mini dressage rider.

Together with her mum Claire in matching jodhpurs with gold medals and brother Harry, aged eight, bearing the Olympic flame, little Sophie stole the show – and was rewarded with a sash, rosette and prize from sponsors Horsatack in Droitwich.

Joint second, a mermaid, also came from the Droitwich area – five-year-old Nell Paskins from Hanbury Wharf, riding Whirly.

And Michael Powell, aged 13, from Church Lench, near Evesham, as a Dragoon Guard complete with drums shared the honours. Michael also won junior best rider and the junior ridden showing championship.

With a showjumping ring starting with lead rein and progressing to 3’3” including Cricklands qualifiers, pick and mix dressage, in-hand, ridden and junior showing including qualifiers for Royal London – plus a novelty dog show – there was something for all the family at the annual event.

The Supreme of Show was a 31”

high American Miniature Horse owned by 15-year-old Lucy Lee, of Astwood Bank, Redditch.

Jones’ Royally Crazy in Love (Crazy for short) won her in-hand showing championship, then went on to beat seven other champions and reserves to take the top honour.

Best dressage for Prelim 7 and Novice 20 went to Georgie Toole and for Intro A to Evie Titterton.

Sarah Lovatt, chairman of Worcester and District Riding Club, said: “We had a super day with the support of sponsors Macarthur, Barstow & Gibbs, farrier Ben Hart, Horsatack and HLM Volvo specialists – and not forgetting the local people who competed. It was lovely to see competitors aged from three to their 70s having a great time.”

Worcester and District Riding Club is this year celebrating its 50th anniversary.